Abstract
Medication nonadherence is a widespread problem that compromises treatment outcomes, particularly in schizophrenia. Weersink et al. (Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol, 2015) describe telephone calls to a national medicines information line, with a focus on queries related to antipsychotic medications. Their analysis of callers’ questions and concerns offers a valuable window into patient and caregiver perspectives. Given that many callers reported that they had not shared these concerns with a health care provider, this study also highlights the capacity of medication hotlines to address unmet needs. Establishing and maintaining long-term treatment regimens is a complex task, and truly patient-centered care requires a variety of creative and accessible support resources. Medication lines have the potential to serve as a resource and to provide proactive and timely adherence support.
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Conflict of interest
Dr. Pettit reports receiving consulting fees from Alkermes, Inc. and has received consulting fees for the creation of adherence support programs. Dr. Marcus reports receiving consulting fees from Alkermes, Janssen, Shire, and Forest.
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Pettit, A.R., Marcus, S.C. Expanding patient access to quality medication-related information: the potential of medication hotlines to improve patient adherence in schizophrenia. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 50, 735–737 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-015-1053-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-015-1053-y